Alec Macnab, former Berwick Rangers chairman, dies

Staff Reporter

ONE of the most successful chairmen in the history of Berwick Rangers died on Saturday.

Mr Alec Macnab of Parade School Mews, took over in 1977 and immediately announced he was not prepared to allow the club to be second best.

In just over two years they won promotion to the first division as league champions. Although they dropped down again two years later their position had been stabilised.

He had taken over Berwick only weeks after the signing of ex-Glasgow Rangers star Dave Smith as player manager. Smith is widely regarded as the best player to grace Shielfield and like Mr Macnab he had a burning ambition to succeed.

When Smith resigned Mr Macnab appointed ex-Celtic goalkeeper Frank Connor to succeed him - another great choice.

Mr Macnab went on to serve on the SFA Council where his leadership qualities were quickly appreciated.

A Berwick man, he was always keen on sport and in his late teens began to emerge as an outstanding sprinter. He trained hard and reached international standard.

His performances were so consistent that he was considered for a place in the Great Britain Olympic squad and was only marginally inched out by Alan Lillington from Sunderland.

A former police officer, Mr Macnab was seriously injured in an accident and he then set up a successful business in Newcastle. He acquired the Albion Inn at Spittal and transfored it to one of the busiest and most popular public houses in the Borough.